Prepare yourself for the resurgence of Matilda fever, as Australia’s golden girls have just celebrated an “absolute banger” of a win against Germany, a match that will be remembered for more reasons than one.
Facing the German national women’s team on their home ground in Duisburg, the odds were stacked against our beloved Matildas, who are still recovering from their Paris Olympics experience and the departure of head coach Tony Gustavsson.
However, despite trailing by one goal for much of the first half, the Tillies’ resilient spirit shone through at minute 39 when Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross leveled the score.
With a thunderous kick from nearly 40 meters, the 22-year-old star sent the ball soaring over the German keeper’s head and into the net.
It was breathtaking. It was magnificent. I won't even try to hide my excitement, folks, this goal was DIVINE. Watch it right now.
ABSOLUTE BANGER from KCC 🚀☄️@kyracooneyx opens her account for Australia in her 50th cap, and what a way to do it!
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) October 28, 2024
🎥: @ParamountPlusAU#Matildas #GERvAUS pic.twitter.com/Reu0IHjlVq
When I look back on my life’s greatest moments, rest assured this goal will be among them.
Reflecting on her remarkable goal, Cooney-Cross mentioned she seized the opportunity after noticing her opponents’ “mistake”.
“I was going to leave it for Michelle [Heyman], but then I looked up and saw the keeper was off her line, so I took a shot,” she shared.
What makes this goal even more special is that it was Cooney-Cross’ first goal for the Matildas, and it happened during her 50th appearance for Australia’s national women’s team.
Following this historic goal, the game intensified. And while the score remained even for a while, in the 79th minute, Matildas’ midfielder Clare Hunt scored a stunning header from a cross by captain Steph Catley. This marked Hunt’s first goal for the Tillies as well.
Hunt heads in her first goal for Australia to give us the lead & look at what it means! 💚💛
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) October 28, 2024
🎥: @ParamountPlusAU#Matildas #GERvAUS pic.twitter.com/hNKxoI4Vvg
With that, the Matildas secured a 2-1 victory against Germany, marking the first time they have beaten this team in 19 years.
The last time the Matildas triumphed over Germany was in 2005, which was also the only time they had ever won against them.
Not to get ahead of myself, but… IT’S COMING HOME!!!
Kudos to all the fantastic Tillies. Huge congratulations to Kyra Cooney-Cross and Clare Hunt on your iconic first goals.
God, I love this game (especially when played by the Matildas).
Lead Image: Getty
